Bluffton University honored 29 faculty and staff members for their years of service at the university’s annual recognition dinner on Jan. 25. The honorees have been at Bluffton for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40 years.
The longest-serving faculty or staff member recognized at the dinner, with 40 years, was Rick Lichtle, business manager and a 1974 Bluffton graduate. Tami Forbes, associate professor of recreation and chair of Bluffton’s education and sport science division, and Dr. Jeff Gundy, professor of English and chair of the humanities division, were each honored for 30 years of service.
Marking 25 years were Dr. Mark Bourassa, director of the University Event Complex and conferences, and assistant dean of students; Diane Neal, assistant professor of education; Guy Neal, assistant professor of health, fitness and sport science, and head men’s basketball coach; and Dr. Todd Rainey, professor of biology.
Following are excerpts from written tributes about the longest-serving honorees from colleagues:
Lichtle—“I have found Rick’s insights and institutional knowledge to be invaluable … Rick has built many positive relationships across campus, both personally and between the business office and other offices.” -Kevin Nickel, vice president for fiscal affairs
Forbes—“On many occasions throughout the year, she is known to be enjoying lunch, dinner and special events with alumni. Not only do these engagements foster greater friendships and relationships with their alma mater, they also provide for continuing mentoring opportunities on life successes, program advances and university developments.” -Heather Bruder, assistant professor of sport management and chair of the health, fitness and sport science department
Gundy—“He teaches in his own poetry and prose the same lessons that he shares with his colleagues and students—the power of language, the art of compromise, the difficulty of community building, the role of dedication and the necessity of hard work. ”-Dr. Cynthia Bandish, associate professor of English and chair of the English and language department
Bourassa—“Mark’s management style is known for hospitality, attention to detail and organization, and juggling many things simultaneously. … But perhaps one of the strongest gifts Mark has given the university is his ability to mentor and speak to the lives of students.” -Dr. Julie DeGraw, vice president for student life and dean of students
Diane Neal—“Bluffton students often remark that she teaches the way they hope they will teach someday. This is indeed high praise.” -Dr. Gayle Trollinger, professor and chair of education
Guy Neal—“We have come to expect the teams of the winningest coach in program history to represent Bluffton well both on and off the court. Every player who has played basketball all four years for Coach Neal has left Bluffton with his college degree in hand.” -Phill Talavinia, athletics director
Rainey—“Luckily for our students, Todd is a voracious reader who is engrossed probing the intricacies of human biology and the natural world from both natural and social science perspectives. He works diligently to distill these complexities into a form that will both interest and inform students.” -Dr. Robert Antibus, professor and chair of biology
Other faculty and staff recognized at the dinner were:
For 20 years of service, Kathleen Aufderhaar, technical services and systems librarian; Dr. Perry Bush, professor of history; Susan Collier and Nancy Neff, both administrative assistants in academic affairs; Ron Epp, residence hall maintenance supervisor; Dr. Don Hooley, professor of mathematics; Dr. George Lehman, Howard Raid professor of business and chair of the business studies division; Louise Matthews, director of The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center; Debra Niswander, assistant director of financial aid; and Dr. Lucia Unrau, professor and chair of music, and chair of the communication and fine arts division.
For 15 years, Brenda Groman, information technology help desk coordinator; Nita Hashbarger, assistant to the business manager; and Peggy Reichenbach, business office secretary.
For 10 years, Tim Pannabecker, development associate; Dr. Jo Ellyn Peterson, associate professor of education; Margaret Smith, assistant registrar; and Cathy Yoakam, financial aid counselor.
For five years, Dr. Crystal Sellers Battle, assistant professor of music; Scott Borgelt, writer in public relations; Rick Nussbaum, head men’s soccer coach; Dr. Zachary Walton, assistant professor of communication; and Steve Webster, adult and graduate studies representative and lecturer.
